We caught up with Mr. Zachary Schwecke of Schwecke Genetics, breeder of the 3rd Overall Crossbred Gilt at The 2022 Exposition, and the 3rd and 5th Overall Crossbred Gilts at the 2022 Team Purebred National Junior Show!

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
5th Overall Crossbred Gilt - Team Purebred National Jr Show: Drop Kick x No Mas
3rd Overall Crossbred Gilt - Team Purebred National Jr Show: Last Minute x King Henry
3rd Overall Crossbred Gilt - The Exposition: Quittin Time x Undisputed

What have you changed in your operation over the years that has helped you succeed?
In recent years, we have been fortunate enough to slowly expand our operation, and increase the number of breeding stock in our herd. Therefore, we've been able to not only expand our genetics but also broaden our focus to increase success in our breeding decisions.

Favorite product you use in your operation:
GESDATE is our favorite product/app that we utilize in our operation because it keeps everything very organized and makes it simple to back track any pedigrees or breeding lines.

Who was someone who helped you get your foot in the door and get your operation started?
My grandfather started raising purebred show pigs in the 60s, which also led to my dad's interest in the industry. When I was growing up, my dad continued to be heavily involved in the purebreds and eventually I was able to join alongside him. Over the years, we have been able to watch how the show industry continues to change, and we are very thankful that it has been a passion that carries on in our family.

The ideal customer to me is... 
An ideal customer to us is someone who not only works hard on their pigs but also wants to keep learning. Even though we ourselves always continuing to learn, we truly enjoy the customers who asks questions and strive to keep improving. We are extremely thankful for all the relationships we have created with our customers through this type of communication.

We caught up with Mr. Zach Schwecke of Schwecke Genetics, breeder of the Grand Champion Gilt at the 2021 NAILE.

Pedigree/Genetics of Champion:
Next Intention X Pawn Star
Littermate to Last Minute
Champion for the Everharts at Louisville
Champion Gilt MYSS Franz Family
Champion Nebraska Open Ruth Family
Champion in Utah for the Woolstenhulme Family

What's your favorite sow on the farm?
28-10 Visionary x Bear 22 x Creature x Super Monster

If you could offer one piece of advice for families wanting to show pigs on a competitive level, what would it be?
Be open and willing to learn everyday. Ask questions breeders want their customers to have a good experience and succeed in and out of the show ring. Put in the time and effort it takes to reach your goals!

Favorite or Least Favorite Ear-Notch
Favorites are 206 and 104

What's next for your showpig business? (Upcoming sales, exciting matings, future goals/expansions, etc)
We have started to farrow and ready for the spring sale season to start and Texas majors!!